The short, white woolly summer coat is replaced in winter by shaggy dense
yellowish pelage. During spring, the molt makes these animals look
extremely raggedy. A small ridge of long, soft hair on the neck forms
a hump. A beard is present on the chin in both sexes. The bear-like
body is supported by muscular legs, ending with hoofs specially configured
for mountain life. The black eyes and nose contrast greatly with
the otherwise white head. The black, slightly curved horns are
found in both sexes, and grow 20-25 cm / 8-10 inches long.

Ontogeny and Reproduction

Gestation Period: 175-180 days. Young per Birth: 1, rarely 2. Weaning: At about 3 months. SexualMaturity: At about 30 months. Life span: Up to 18 years.

Mating occurs from November to January, with the births taking place in late
May and early June. Kids are able to follow their mothers within a
week, and, once weaned, are driven away by their mothers as the next young
is born.

Ecology and Behavior

Rocky Mountain goats are most active in the late afternoon and early morning,
and frequently continue grazing throughout the night. Movements throughout
the 24-hour day generally cover several hundred meters / yards. Resting
spots are often shallow depressions excavated using the front feet, which
they also use when searching for salt. Mountain goats are renowned
for their exceptional speed and agility on steep terrain, and have been known
to cover over 450 vertical meters / 1,500 vertical feet in a time span of
just 20 minutes. Home ranges average about 23 square kilometers in
size, although in winter, these become much smaller. Population densities
vary widely (up to 14 animals per square kilometer), although the average
figure is thought to be between 1 and 2 animals per square kilometer. The
rare fights between rival males are extremely violent, often causing serious
injury or death. Opponents thrust their sharp horns at each others
flanks and rump in an attempt to gore the soft flesh.

Family group: During the warmer months, groups of less than four
animals are normal, while adult males are frequently solitary. However,
during the winter these groups join together to form large herds. Diet: Grasses, leaves, coniferous trees. Main Predators: Cougar, brown bear.

Distribution

Mountainous regions in western Canada and the northwestern United States.

Range Map (Compiled from Shackleton, 1997)

Conservation Status

The Rocky Mountain goat is currently not in danger.

Remarks

Despite its name, this ungulate is not a true goat, being more closely allied
with the chamois and gorals than tot he genus Capra. Due to
its inaccessible habitat, the Rocky Mountain goat has been less affected
by human activity than any other large North American game animal.
Oros (Greek), genitive oreos, a mountain; amnos
(Greek) a lamb. -anus (Latin) suffix meaning belonging to.